We numerically investigate the one-dimensional transport of Bose-Einstein condensates in the context of guided atom lasers using a mean-field description of the condensate in terms of a spatially ... [more ▼]

We numerically investigate the one-dimensional transport of Bose-Einstein condensates in the context of guided atom lasers using a mean-field description of the condensate in terms of a spatially discretized Gross-Pitaevskii equation. We specifically consider a waveguide configuration in which spatial inhomogeneities and nonvanishing atom-atom interactions are restricted to a spatially localized scattering region of finite extent. We show how the method of smooth exterior complex scaling can be implemented for this particular onfiguration in order to efficiently absorb the outgoing flux within the waveguide. A numerical comparison with the introduction of a complex absorbing potential as well as with the analytically exact elimination of the dynamics of the free non-interacting motion outside the scattering region, giving rise to transparent boundary conditions, clearly confirms the accuracy and efficiency of the smooth exterior complex scaling method. [less ▲]

In Wallonia, when teaching team sports, secondary school level physical education teachers generally use a traditional (technicist) and single discipline approach. Moreover, teachers meet some ... [more ▼]

In Wallonia, when teaching team sports, secondary school level physical education teachers generally use a traditional (technicist) and single discipline approach. Moreover, teachers meet some difficulties to apply the accountability and literacy principles. In this paper, authors present a practical example of PE lesson demonstrating that it is possible to change teaching. [less ▲]

Context. GJ 436b is one of the few transiting warm Neptunes for which a detailed characterisation of the atmosphere is possible, whereas its non-negligible orbital eccentricity calls for further ... [more ▼]

Context. GJ 436b is one of the few transiting warm Neptunes for which a detailed characterisation of the atmosphere is possible, whereas its non-negligible orbital eccentricity calls for further investigation. Independent analyses of several individual datasets obtained with Spitzer have led to contradicting results attributed to the different techniques used to treat the instrumental effects. Aims. We aim at investigating these previous controversial results and developing our knowledge of the system based on the full Spitzer photometry dataset combined with new Doppler measurements obtained with the HARPS spectrograph. We also want to search for additional planets. Methods. We optimise aperture photometry techniques and the photometric deconvolution algorithm DECPHOT to improve the data reduction of the Spitzer photometry spanning wavelengths from 3-24 {\mu}m. Adding the high precision HARPS radial velocity data, we undertake a Bayesian global analysis of the system considering both instrumental and stellar effects on the flux variation. Results. We present a refined radius estimate of RP=4.10 +/- 0.16 R_Earth, mass MP=25.4 +/- 2.1 M_Earth and eccentricity e= 0.162 +/- 0.004 for GJ 436b. Our measured transit depths remain constant in time and wavelength, in disagreement with the results of previous studies. In addition, we find that the post-occultation flare-like structure at 3.6 {\mu}m that led to divergent results on the occultation depth measurement is spurious. We obtain occultation depths at 3.6, 5.8, and 8.0 {\mu}m that are shallower than in previous works, in particular at 3.6 {\mu}m. However, these depths still appear consistent with a metal-rich atmosphere depleted in methane and enhanced in CO/CO2, although perhaps less than previously thought. We find no evidence for a potential planetary companion, stellar activity, nor for a stellar spin-orbit misalignment. [ABRIDGED] [less ▲]

Conducting round robin exercises is one of EGOLF's key activities. A round robin exercise is a necessary tool to improve and maintain a good level of quality within EGOLF. A good plan of the round robin ... [more ▼]

Conducting round robin exercises is one of EGOLF's key activities. A round robin exercise is a necessary tool to improve and maintain a good level of quality within EGOLF. A good plan of the round robin exercise will make the work easier, and will help avoid problems and misunderstandings. The intention is to give general guidelines on how to organize round robins in a standardized way within EGOLF. The document is divided into the following parts - Preparing and planning the round robin - Testing - Data analysis and reporting These guidelines comply with the ISO 5725 prescriptions. [less ▲]

Increasing tree species diversity in forests might contribute to ecosystem-service maintenance, as well as to the reconciliation of regulating, provisioning and supporting services within the frame of ... [more ▼]

Increasing tree species diversity in forests might contribute to ecosystem-service maintenance, as well as to the reconciliation of regulating, provisioning and supporting services within the frame of multifunctional and sustainable forestry. Individual tree species influence biogeochemical cycling through element deposition (throughfall, litterfall), and through microbial activities in the soil. Yet, the influence of mixing tree species on these ecosystem processes is unclear, in particular concerning the microbial diversity and activity in soils. Here we synthesize results from the Exploratory Platform of the FunDivEUROPE project (http://www.fundiveurope.eu/). This network of 209 comparative plots covering a tree diversity gradient of 1 to 5 tree species was established in existing mature forests in 6 European regions. These six focal regions represent a gradient of major European forest types from boreal to Mediterranean forests. We analysed the impact of tree species diversity and the role of other controlling factors on the metabolic diversity of soil bacteria (BIOLOG Ecoplate), soil microbial biomass (fumigation-extraction) and potential nitrification (shaken soil slurry) in the forest floor and the upper organo-mineral soil horizon. Mean values of microbial biomass carbon ranged from 240 (Poland) to 1762 (Germany) mg kg-1 in the forest floor and from 4197 (Italy) to 11207 (Finland) mg kg-1 in the upper organo-mineral horizon. Tree diversity and soil water content were important controlling factors. Statistical models predict microbial biomass to increase in both horizons by 7-8% with each step increase in tree diversity. Metabolic diversity of soil bacteria (% of substrates used) showed high variability both within and between sites. Further results analysed with mixed linear models will be presented and discussed. [less ▲]

The belowground food web represents a major part of associated biodiversity in forest ecosystems, and plays a significant role in the ecosystem processes of litter decomposition and nutrient turnover ... [more ▼]

The belowground food web represents a major part of associated biodiversity in forest ecosystems, and plays a significant role in the ecosystem processes of litter decomposition and nutrient turnover. Past research has demonstrated overwhelming evidence of strong tree species identity effects on earthworm communities. It has been proposed that increased plant community diversity would be beneficial to the abundance and diversity of the belowground food web, but effects of tree species diversity on earthworm communities have seldom been reported, and are inconclusive. In this study at continental scale we evaluated whether tree species diversity positively affects earthworm biomass and diversity. For this purpose the FunDivEUROPE Exploratory Platform was used with 209 plots in 6 regions well spread over Europe with a low within-region site variability, but a within-region tree species diversity gradient from monocultures to 3 or 4 species plots. In every plot earthworms were sampled using a combined method of mustard extraction and hand sorting of litter and a soil monolith. Data are being analysed with multivariate tools and mixed effects models. First results suggest only limited influence of tree diversity on the biomass of earthworm communities at continental scale. Tree diversity effects are weak, context specific and interacting with tree identity. In nutrient poor soils we found a negative tree diversity effect on earthworm biomass when deciduous monocultures are enriched with coniferous species, while in rich soils we found a positive tree diversity effect which could be related with the food security this provides to the earthworm community. [less ▲]

Canagliflozin is an inhibitor of sodium-glucose cotransporters type 2 (SGLT2) that are present in renal tubules. This specific insulin-independent mechanism promotes glucosuria, which results in a ... [more ▼]

Canagliflozin is an inhibitor of sodium-glucose cotransporters type 2 (SGLT2) that are present in renal tubules. This specific insulin-independent mechanism promotes glucosuria, which results in a reduction in fasting and postprandial glycaemia and a decrease of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Furthermore, canagliflozin promotes weight loss and lowers arterial (mainly systolic) blood pressure. Its efficacy is decreased in patients with renal insufficiency and the treatment should be stopped if estimated glomerular filtration rate is below 45 ml/min/1.73 m². Both the efficacy and safety of canagliflozin have been investigated in 24 to 104-week controlled trials versus placebo or versus an active comparator (glimepiride or sitagliptin). The mean reduction in HbA1c averages 0.75% when added to other treatments, as compared to placebo. The 100 mg dose is as active as sitagliptin 100 mg while the 300 mg canagliflozin dose is even more efficacious. Adverse events are mostly mycotic genital infections and more rarely mild urinary tract infections. Caution is required in elderly patients and the risk of volume depletion should be checked (hypotension). Hypoglycaemia may occur only in patients already treated with an insulin-secreting agent or insulin. Canagliflozin is commercialized under the trade name Invokana®, at the doses of 100 mg and 300 mg once daily, for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. [less ▲]

This presentation gives a summary of the policy recommendations which were drafted in the framework of the ILEC project on loss of nationality (http://www.ilecproject.eu/). The recommendations pertain to ... [more ▼]

This presentation gives a summary of the policy recommendations which were drafted in the framework of the ILEC project on loss of nationality (http://www.ilecproject.eu/). The recommendations pertain to the situation of 'quasi-loss', i.e. the situation in which a person who was assumed to possed a nationality, learns that he/she never has possessed that nationality. The recommendations were presented in a policy brief (available at www.ceps.eu/node/9871). They will be included in Guidelines. [less ▲]

This paper proposes a new pixel-based background subtraction technique, applicable to range images, to detect motion. Our method exploits the physical meaning of depth information, which leads to an ... [more ▼]

This paper proposes a new pixel-based background subtraction technique, applicable to range images, to detect motion. Our method exploits the physical meaning of depth information, which leads to an improved background/foreground segmentation and the instantaneous suppression of ghosts that would appear on color images. In particular, our technique considers certain characteristics of depth measurements, such as failures for certain pixels or the non-uniformity of the spatial distribution of noise in range images, to build an improved pixel-based background model. Experiments show that incorporating specificities related to depth measurements allows us to propose a method whose performance is increased with respect to other state-of-the-art methods. [less ▲]